Most experts recommend stopping bedtime milk around your baby's first birthday (12 months). Continuing bedtime milk after this age can contribute to middle-of-the-night wakings. By this age, your child's nutritional needs are usually met through solid foods during the day. There's no need to replace the bedtime milk with anything else.
Reasons to Stop Bedtime Milk After One Year:
- Sleep Disruption: Milk before bed can lead to frequent nighttime wakings.
- Nutritional Needs Met: A one-year-old's nutritional requirements are adequately fulfilled through daytime meals.
- Dental Health: Milk can contribute to tooth decay if not followed by thorough brushing.
- Developing Healthy Sleep Habits: Eliminating the bedtime bottle encourages the development of independent sleep patterns.
How to Stop Bedtime Milk:
- Gradual Reduction: For babies still using a bottle, gradually reduce the amount of milk each night over a week or so.
- Replace with a Routine: Establish a comforting bedtime routine that doesn't involve a bottle. This could include a bath, a story, or quiet cuddles.
- Be Consistent: Stick to the new routine to avoid confusion and maintain consistency.
- Address Night Wakings: If your child wakes up at night, soothe them without resorting to the bedtime bottle.
Some sources suggest stopping the bedtime bottle as early as 12-13 months. However, the crucial point is that after your child turns one, continuing bedtime milk is generally unnecessary and could be detrimental to their sleep.
